Strap Security Device with Mechanical and Optical Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security devices for larger packaging boxes are limited in size range and require complex mechanics, making them unsuitable for securing objects of varying sizes, and they often fail to prevent unauthorized removal or tampering during transport and sales.
Innovation Solution
A safety device using mechanical and optical sensors with a resonant circuit, activated upon closure, which triggers an alarm upon unauthorized removal, and can be secured with two straps, ensuring detection by electronic security systems and requiring a special tool for authorized opening, with adjustable straps and a locking mechanism to prevent tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanical tensioning mechanisms are used to secure straps, then the security device can firmly secure objects, but the device becomes voluminous and limited to specific size ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex mechanical tensioning mechanism from the security device. Instead of using mechanical means to tension and secure straps, the invention allows straps to be freely adjustable in length and secures them through a simple locking mechanism that engages with the housing, eliminating the need for voluminous tensioning components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tensioning systems with a simpler locking mechanism. The straps are secured through a lock that engages with the housing structure, substituting elaborate mechanical adjustment systems with a more straightforward locking approach that reduces device complexity.
2Device complexity
If standard packaging straps are used without additional tightening mechanisms, then the device is simpler and applicable to various sizes, but unauthorized removal or tampering cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the state of the straps and provide feedback to an alarm system. When straps are cut, loosened, or tampered with, the sensors detect these changes and trigger an alarm, providing continuous monitoring without requiring complex mechanical tensioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical anti-tampering mechanisms with electronic sensing and alarm systems. Instead of using complex mechanical locks and tensioning devices, the invention uses sensors to detect strap integrity and electronic alarms to alert of unauthorized removal or tampering.
3Device complexity
If mechanical sensors alone are used to detect removal, then the device is simpler, but it can be bypassed by sliding objects between the device and packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing modalities - mechanical sensors and optical sensors - to detect unauthorized removal. The mechanical sensor detects physical separation while the optical sensor detects attempts to slide objects between the device and packaging, creating a more robust detection system that cannot be easily bypassed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary detection mechanism that complements the mechanical sensor. The optical sensor acts as an additional layer of detection that can identify tampering attempts that mechanical sensors alone might miss, such as sliding flat objects between the device and packaging.
4Reliability
If the security device is firmly attached to prevent movement, then theft prevention is improved, but handling and installation become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a hinge that allows the cover to move between open and closed positions, enabling easy installation and removal. Once closed, the locking mechanism secures the device firmly to prevent theft, while the hinge maintains operational ease during handling and installation phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the housing and locking mechanism to be pre-configured for easy engagement. The straps are pre-routed through the housing structure, and the locking mechanism is positioned to automatically engage when the cover is closed, simplifying the installation process while ensuring secure attachment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively secures objects of various sizes by detecting unauthorized removal and tampering, preventing theft and ensuring that high-quality goods are not substituted with inferior ones during transport and sales, while being easy to handle and requiring minimal complex mechanics.
Implementation Method 1
The optical sensor, if present, emits light through the base plate when closed, can detect reflections of this light from the object through the base plate and can react to changes in these reflections.
Implementation Method 2
The means for generating an alarm have a resonant circuit that can be detected by an electronic goods security system.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
In a security device (1) for attachment to an object (2) to be secured, wherein the security device (1) comprises a housing with a base plate (10) and a cover (11) as well as means for generating an alarm in the event of unauthorized removal of the security device (1) from the object (2), wherein the security device (1) has an open and a closed state, and wherein in the closed state the base plate (10) and the cover (11) can be locked together by means of a locking mechanism, it is provided, among other things, that in the open state the base plate (10) can be inserted between the intersecting straps (3) and the object (2), that in the closed state the base plate (10) and the cover (11) can be locked in engagement with the straps (3) by means of the locking mechanism, and that the two straps run through the security device (1) and intersect within it.and that the means for generating an alarm comprise a mechanical (31, 32) sensor, wherein the mechanical sensor (31, 32) in the closed state can detect contact with the object (2) through the base plate (10) and can react to loss of contact with the object (2),